A disgruntled TT marshal and race fan has complained about what he sees as unfair practice in allocating grandstand seating.
Nick Hunt, of Onchan, who marshals near the 11th milestone at the TT and Manx Grand Prix every year, is concerned travel packages from island company Regency Travel place some – locals in particular – at a disadvantage when booking Grandstand seating.
‘As a reward for marshalling for four weeks, myself and my wife treat ourselves to watching Senior race day from the Grandstand. Last year in 2013 we were able to buy grandstand tickets from Regency Travel on the Saturday following Senior day for the 2014 races, no problem.
‘But this year we were told they would only sell grandstand tickets to people booking a package through them, people who were booking both travel and accommodation. If we did buy a package we could include Grandstand tickets,’ he said.
He was told Grandstand tickets would be available from November: ‘Can you imagine how many Grandstand tickets will be available to Isle of Man residents and to people who have booked their own travel and accommodation? Not many I would imagine.’
A spokesman for the DED said: ‘Grandstand tickets will still be available to purchase on general sale, notably via the official Isle of Man TT website as in previous years. The Department’s team will soon be meeting to confirm the 2015 general sale ticket allocation and when those tickets will be available and will be making an announcement shortly.’